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The Observant Life (Book)
Author
Rabbi Alan Lucas
Customs before Rosh Hashanah
There are customs in order to prepare for Rosh Hashanah, including Selichot, physical changes in the synagogue, and immersing in the mikveh.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 30, 2022
High Holidays
Holidays
(Not) Announcing Rosh Hashanah
On Rosh Hashanah, we do not recite the traditional blessings announcing a new month for a variety of different reasons.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 21, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
What are Selichot?
Selichot are special prayers recited in anticipation of the High Holidays introducing us to the themes of the upcoming holidays.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 21, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
When is the Jewish New Year?
There are four New Years, each with its own purpose. That said, the counting of the new year begins with Rosh Hashanah, in the seventh ...
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 21, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul
There are many ways to spiritually prepare in Elul for the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 19, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul
The ritual preparations for the High Holidays begin a full month in advance with the onset of the month of Elul.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 19, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
What is Rosh Hodesh and How is it Observed?
Rosh Hodesh, the first day of every lunar month, is primarily observed through additional prayers and a special Torah reading,
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
June 29, 2022
Holidays
Rosh Hodesh
What are the Jewish Fast Days? What do we do?
There are three kinds of fasts in Judaism rooted in history and spiritual practice with changes to prayer services.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
June 21, 2022
Holidays
Tisha B’Av
What is Tishah Be’av and how is it observed?
Tishah Be’av is the saddest day of the Jewish year. We fast, read the Book of Lamentations, and reflect on history.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
June 20, 2022
Holidays
Tisha B’Av
Lag Ba-omer and Pesah Sheini
Lag Ba-Omer, the 33rd day of the omer, and Pesah Sheini, are two commemorative moments during the Counting of the Omer.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
May 13, 2022
The Omer
What is the Omer